These exploratory studies focused on child-pet bonding and the effect of the quality of chldren's home environments on the social development of preschoolers. Survey data from 88 parents regarding the parents, their homes, and their preschool child provided empirical support for the hypothesis that young children derive developmental benefits from their interactions with pets. Additional data from home interviews with some families provided further support for the general premise that there are developmental benefits to children from interacting with pets. Benefits were primarily in the social domain, and involved social competence, empathy, and attitudes towards pets. "Pet bonding" appeared to be a stronger determinant of pet-associated benefits than pet ownership. Other family elements, including Environmental Assessment Index measures of the quality of home environments, were associated with pet ownership and bonding and the children's development. Children with pets and children with better home environments had higher age-adjusted child development scores. Further research is recommended for the purposes of replicating these results and clarifying their complex linkage. (RH)

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